Pitarch, born in Fuenlabrada in August 2007 and of Moroccan descent through his grandfather, came through the Real Madrid academy after spells at Atletico Madrid, Getafe and Leganés before joining La Fábrica in 2023.
Arbeloa knew him well from his time coaching the Castilla and had no hesitation promoting him to the first team when opportunities arose. When Arbeloa took over in January, he initially returned Pitarch to the reserve side to recover match sharpness after 40 days without minutes under Xabi Alonso — a deliberate pre-loading before deploying him at the highest level.
Once unleashed, the effect was immediate. Pitarch made nine starts across La Liga and the Champions League and left the pitch with Madrid losing in just two of them, including both legs against Manchester City, the away win at Celta Vigo, and victories over Atlético and Real Betis. His only poor result as a starter came on his debut in the role — a defeat to Getafe in early March.
Arbeloa framed his philosophy around the player publicly.
"We have not built the Real Madrid with players who take to the pitch dressed in a smoking jacket, but with players who finish with their shirts full of sweat, mud, effort, sacrifice and perseverance. When talent meets commitment and effort, that is what makes us the best team in the world."
The message was pointed at more established players who had not met that standard. Pitarch, alongside Aurelien Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde and Arda Güler, gave Arbeloa the midfield combination that most consistently gave the team balance.
His market value has risen to approximately €20 million. He now awaits an expected call-up to Spain's under-19 squad for the European Championship this summer, and the question at the Bernabéu is whether the next manager will give him the same trust Arbeloa did.